Dartmouth Flight Attendant Health Study Show Improved Health Measures

The Dartmouth Flight Attendant Health Study reports improvements in health measures in those FA were trained in Bodymind Science methods. All of the FA who took part in these studies had been exposed to second hand cigarette smoke in the cabins of aircraft. Many had smoke exposure related respiratory and other health second hand smoke exposure related issues.

We are developing a new video based on feedback from the Flight Attendants who took part in Phases I and II of the study. If you are a former or current flight attendant and would like information about participating in a future study, please contact our Program Manager at carole.gaudet@dartmouth.edu

Phases I and II of the study showed that training in meditative movement could lead to improved health.

The FA in the study also taught us to look at training a new way. They told us that they did not want to set aside time to practice. So we adapted to the needs of the FA, finding ways to incorporate the training into activities of every day living. Standing in the galley, sitting on a jump seat or walking through the airport, could all be part of daily practice routines. From the data collected and the comments of the study participants, we are pleased to report the results.

Six months after the study ended, many participants reported ongoing use of our methods, as well as improved health outcome. Improved health was correlated with reported use of the practices.

Soon we hope to begin Phase III where the feedback from study participants will again play a major role. Many of the FA in the study commented about the format of the videos that were used for training. Phase III will test the efficacy of a newer, shorter and more engaging format. We need to know…will this new format be effective.

Would you like to take part in a study of this type? If you are a former or current flight attendant and would like information about participating in a future study, please contact our Program Manager at carole.gaudet@dartmouth.edu

Phone messages can be left at 603-653-9970.

Feedback from one of the Phase II participants:

“Learning and doing the practice (bodymind) is now part of my daily life. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to participate and learn this valuable practice. I am so much more conscious of how my body reflects what is going on in my head. Several times each day, I will feel my body slumping (not good for shoulders or back), and go into the sitting or standing practice right away. Lying without form and breathing are like magic in getting me to sleep. The breathing practice and the hissing breath as well as the shakeout and drawing down help with anxiety. I tend to do the walking practice when I am walking for exercise and use those steps in helping me take in my surroundings while feeling very grounded.”